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Tag Archives: 7th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge

Assemblyman Dave McDonough announced that he is once again participating in the 7th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge to be held from February 12th through April 30th. McDonough said he is honored to host this event once again as animals bring a lot of joy and companionship to people’s lives.

“I have enjoyed hosting this event in collaboration with Long Island Cares and Baxter’s Pet Pantry in the past, and now I look forward to our efforts this year,” McDonough said. “Pets bring a tremendous amount of companionship and comfort to the elderly and those who live alone and they can also serve as friends for young children. I encourage members of the community to stop by and make a donation this winter. Even a small donation can mean the difference between a pet going hungry or possibly going to a shelter.”

Regrettably, SNAP funding does not include the purchase of pet food, which makes it one of the greatest demands, besides food, at local food pantries.

The best sizes of pet food to donate are five or 10 pound bags of dog or cat food. Canned food, kitty litter and new pet toys are also in demand. Donations will be accepted at McDonough’s district office at 404 Bedford Avenue in Bellmore from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information can be found at their Web site.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced that the Town of Oyster Bay will participate in Long Island Cares’ 7th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge. The drive will take place during the months of February and March and focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry Pets in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.

“Pets truly are members of our family,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Pet food donations will help feed animals in need, which in turn keeps pets at home with their loved ones and out of shelters. The Town is proud to partner with LI Cares to collect generous donations for this worthwhile cause.”

The creation of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute over one million pounds of pet food, all of which has been donated through pet food drives like this one and corporate donations.

“Unfortunately many beloved pets that are placed into shelters or given away because families simply cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” Councilwoman Johnson stated. “When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families.”

The pet food drive in the Town of Oyster Bay will be held from Thursday, February 1st through Friday, March 30th. Those interested in supporting the pet food drive can place donated items in drop off boxes located in the following Town of Oyster Bay locations:

Regular business hours for the Town locations are 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information about the program residents may visit www.licares.org or call Esther Alter in the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.